RAILWAY PLANS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1924, Page 4

RAILWAY PLANS.

NORTH ISLAND SCHEME. WKLLIXCTOX, 1-Vb. 22 ()n the authority of Mr W. 11. Field, M.P. tor Otaki, a statement is published in the Press that the routes are now practically settled on lor three railway deviations at: ltimulaka. Tawa Flat, and I’aekukariki, which will provide a level line from Wellington to Napier on fhe one side, and from Wellington to New Plymouth on the other, while elfecting also an immense, improvement in the Main Trunk Line to Auckland. It is understood the Rimulaka deviating. will begin at the Upper lluli. with an easy grade to take the place of the present steep grade of one in thirty-three to Mungaroa Valiev, following along the slopes of the bills on the eastern side of lliitt Valiev to a

point which will enable it to be readied by a tunnel (o the flat- of theMungnron. Valley, bv a practically level line. Thou tile route will pick tip the present line and the main Rimutaka tunnel will enter the mountain at a point about a mile and a half north of the present Mungaroa railway station, coming out low down at Cross Crock. The distance is rather more than five miles.

The route will then pick up the present line on the Wairarapa Plain. The Rimutaka tunnel from Mungaroa to Cross Creek will cost about £875.000. It will he on an easy grade and no electrification will he required. The tunnel will not eliminate all the heavy grades between Upper Ilutt- and Featherston, but it will cut out the worst portion of the line, both as regards grades and curves. The Tawa Flat deviation will enter a tunnel at Xgahaurnnga Gorge and, following the Wakefield Gully, will pick up the present Manawatn Line on the level between Tawa Flat- and Porirua. The Paekakariki deviation will not follow the coast line from Plimmerton to Paekakariki, as originally intended, hut will leave the presentline near Plimmerton. passing by the east side of the valley as far as possible. and then go by a tunnel, approximately below the present Pukerua Ray railway station, to the coast. From there it will follow the coast and pick up the present- line on the level south of Paekakariki.